With its rugged landscape and unrivalled views, Yosemite National Park is an indisputable world icon, particularly among nature lovers. But with so much to see across this 3000-square-kilometre Californian park, just where do you start? Here are all the basics you need to know, from what to do, how to get there and where to rest your head at night. By Georgie Meredith

Where to hike

EASY

The loop takes a full day to complete but there’s an option to stop at any point and take a bus back to your base camp.

Make sure you take a break below the towering El Captain – a sheer-faced monolith that casts cool shadows over Merced River.

MEDIUM

Panorama Trail

The 13.5-kilometre Panorama Trail begins at the magnificent Glacier Point – a lookout (accessible by bus), with panoramic views over the park.

Take in your surroundings here before heading downhill through a vast gorge filled with sequoia trees and crashing waterfalls.

Have lunch at Nevada Falls – a beautiful rock ledge that overlooks the iconic Half Dome (more on this later) – before continuing down a rocky path that finishes at Happy Isles Nature Centre.

If you’re feeling fit, start your hike with the Four Mile Trail beforehand, beginning at the Yosemite Village centre.

It will test quad strength and lung capacity, but the magical views are worth the sweat. Then continue onto the Panorama Trail for the most remarkable views of Yosemite in a day.

DIFFICULT

The Half Dome

Yosemite’s pride and joy, the Half Dome is both the most recognisable landmark and the most dangerous hike in the park.

The view from its peak is unsurpassed, however it’s only accessible by scaling it (picks, ropes, helmets and all).

Climbing over 1220 metres high, this hike is not for the faint hearted. So unless you’re a skilled rock-climber, the Panorama trail (above) is your best bet for the breathtaking views.

What ELSE to do (other than hike)

Horseback riding

Saddle up for an afternoon and explore the raw wilderness of Yosemite on horseback.

You can do two-hour or full day treks from one of the three stables within the park boundaries. Ride over the pebbled creeks and shrubbery along the Valley Loop trail, passing through blossoming open meadows along the way.

No experience with horses is necessary, however riders must be aged seven years and above.